Best places to visit in Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for a lovely U.S. state whose territory spans mountains, farmland and coastal beaches, look no further than Georgia.

Located in the southeastern part of the country, Georgia will sweep you off your feet, especially if you’re a history buff and a nature enthusiast.

If you plan to visit, you have to come to Atlanta, the capital of the state and pay honor to Martin Luther King. Atlanta represents home to the National Historic Site dedicated to his life and work.

And if you want to enjoy nature, feel free to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a popular hiking destination. Or Tallulah Falls. Or enjoy on one of the coastal beaches of Tybee Island, Sea Island and Jekyll Island.

The best time to visit Georgia is between May and September like most travelers do. And if you want to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in the town of Macon, visit in March.

Atlanta

We’re starting the list with the capital of Georgia, the charming Atlanta. Besides being the capital of the state, it also plays an integral part in the history of the country.

It was involved in the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War. If you decide to visit, you can enter the Atlanta History Center and learn more about the past and culture of the place.

If you are a fan of Martin Luther King, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site dedicated to his life and work. In the center of the city, you can visit the Centennial Olympic Park.

It was built in 1996 for the Olympics, and on your visit, don’t forget to check out the vast Georgia Aquarium nearby.

Atlanta’s center is also home to Coca-Cola’s museum and the headquarters for the favorite CNN. In Midtown, you can visit the High Museum of Art which features different modern and classic art.

If you want to see the most popular neighborhood in Atlanta, visit Buckhead. It’s known for luxury shopping centers, vibrant hip-hop nightlife, the exclusive Southern restaurants, bohemian shops, and Victorian architecture.

Most tourists visit this city during summer, between May and September. Winters in Atlanta aren’t cold but mild, so you can also visit in winter if you want to escape the fuss.

However, if you’re going to attend an event such as the celebrations for Martin Luther King, Independence Day, come in July. And if you’re going to be a part of the Yellow Daisy Festival, feel free to visit in September.

Savannah

If you want to visit a coastal city in Georgia, Savannah should be your first choice. The Savannah River is what keeps this beautiful city parted from South Carolina, known for the antebellum architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and polished parks.

If you visit, you will be thrilled by the historic district. It’s home to beautiful parks and cobblestoned squares. If you want to see oak trees, coated with Spanish moss, enter Forsyth Park.

If you’re more into visiting historic landmarks, check out the Gothic-Revival Cathedral of St. John, the Baptist. Or the Owen Thomas home from 1819 which contains unique art collection and remains of pre-Civil-War-era to teach you about the history of the place.

You can continue with the First African Baptist Church. It represents one of the oldest African-American churches in the country. Nearby, set foot in the Jepson Center to admire modern art.

And if you get thirsty or want to get a cup of coffee, you can have a drink at some of the chic cafes lined up the riverfront, along with local shops.

If you decide to visit, know that the best time to do it is between March and August.

The city has a subtropical climate. Meaning, summers are hot, and winters are mild. If you want to be a part of the celebration on St. Patrick’s Day, visit in March. It lasts for three days.

If you’re going to attend the Tour of Homes and Gardens, visit between March and April.

Blue Ridge

If you’re a fan of the natural environment, Blue Ridge is the place to visit in Georgia. It’s a mountain town with antique trains that lead to close-by mountain villages.

If you like art exhibitions and shows, visit the Art Center. Also, the Blue Ridge Community Theater is a place to check out the fantastic artwork of the locals. You can grab a meal at some of the restaurants in the center or visit the craft breweries.

On your way to the nearby villages, you can see Fall Branch waterfalls and Chattahoochee National Forest. For those interested in coming to Blue Ridge, the best time to do it is between June and July, or September and November.

If you want to be a part of the Blue Ridge Trout Festival, visit in April. And if you’re going to see the Arts in the Park featuring food stalls, craft demonstrations, and art shows, visit in May or October.

Stone Mountain

Another spot nature lovers will enjoy the Stone Mountain. It’s a town near Atlanta and a home to Stone Mountain Park. It’s named after the vast mountain located in the center of the place.

An interesting thing to see represents the Confederate Memorial Carving portraying generals of the Civil War. If you want to take a closer look, there is the Summit Skyride cable car that will make you at the top for close observation.

If you want to learn about the history of the place, visit the Historic Square of the park. It’s filled with old objects built in 1793.

Although there’s no specific time when to visit Stone Mountain and get the best experience, most travelers do it between March and December, while the Historic Square is still open.

If you’re into winter activities, visit between November and February. If you want to see the Lasershow Spectacular, come between April and October.

Tallulah Gorge State Park and Tallulah Waterfall

Georgia has the best places for nature enthusiasts, including the Tallulah Gorge State Park. It’s home to a Victorian resort town, campgrounds, waterfalls and an expanding 1,000 feet gorge.

If you visit, don’t miss out the Tallulah waterfall. Or the Hurricane Falls. Or Lake Tugalo. Trails in the place go round the rim of the gorge and descend to the river.

If you want to learn more about the history of the area, the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center features exhibits exploring the wildlife and history of the city.

If you want to visit, know that the best time to see the falls is between September and October. Even though this represents a year-round attraction, remember that between June and August is hot.

If you’re a fan of kayaking and white-water rafting, visit between April and November because it’s when Whitewater Boating Weekends take place.

LaGrande

With a population of over 30,000, LaGrande represents one of the most beautiful cities in Georgia. It’s the capital of Troup County, and you can find it in the Georgia Piedmont.

If you visit, check out the LaGrande College. It’s the oldest private school in the state. Also, if you’re a water sports enthusiast, LaGrande is the place to visit because of the West Point Lake located to the west.

You can also visit Troup County Courthouse, Jail, and Annex. They were both built in 1939, and they’re listed as historic places. Pyne Road Park, the Methodist Church, and the Biblical History Center are also worth your visit.

Lake Hartwell

Bordering with South Carolina, Georgia, Seneca Rivers, and Tugaloo, Lake Hartwell is an artificial reservoir that will make you fall in love at first sight.

It’s one of the biggest and most attractive recreation centers in the southeast area.

It was created by Hartwell Dam in the Savannah River. With a shoreline of over 900 miles and over 50.000 acres of water, Lake Hartwell is a place where you can escape the city fuss and relax.

It’s easily accessible and waiting for you to put it on your travel list. If you wonder what’s the best time to come, know that most travelers visit during spring.

It’s the perfect place for camping, hiking, boating, observing diverse wildlife, swimming, and enjoying some of the water sports this place has to offer such as water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.

It also has a biking trail, so if you’re a biker, you’re welcome here.

Lake Lanier and the Lanier Islands

Speaking of lakes, there’s one more which grabbed our attention, and we believe it will catch yours too. It’s called Lake Lanier.

It comes in a package with Lanier Islands and offers a wide range of recreational activities, especially the Lanier islands. But before we jump into that, let’s do a short introduction on Lake Lanier. It’s also a favorite spot for tourists just like Lake Hartwell.

However, it has a lot more to offer. For example, if you visit, you can enjoy the water park, swimming beaches, boat ramps or exploring the islands we mentioned before.

Lanier Islands represent a small chain of islands on Lanier lake, which by the way, it’s the largest one in the state and it’s located in north Atlanta.

They’re one of the most attractive recreational destinations in the area. However, on your stay, you can also visit the Don Carter State Park. If you’re into camping, hiking and lake activities, it’s the perfect place to go.

While here, visiting Atlanta Botanical Park and Garden is also an option. One of the best places (lakes) in Georgia.

Augusta

Augusta is another city which deserves to be on your list of must-see destinations.

It’s located near the border with South Carolina, and it’s home to the Augusta Museum of History with exhibits of singer James Brown and golf.

Along the Savannah River, runs the Augusta Riverwalk and nearby it’s Morris Museum of Art. So, if you want to check artwork of the American South, this is the place to visit. Most people come to Augusta during the summer.

However, you’re welcome to visit anytime. If you want to catch the Masters Golf Tournament, April is the time to visit. And if you’re going to attend the big race on the Savannah River, called the Augusta Southern Nationals, visit in July.

Athens

Best known for the antebellum architecture, Athens represents a city in Georgia that’s definitely worth your visit.

It’s located in the northeast part of the state, and it plays a vital role in the Civil War history.

If you visit, enter the T.R.R. Cobb House, a mansion from the 19th century where furniture and exhibits of Southern history are being displayed. Close-by is Taylor Grady House which you can also visit. It’s a Greek Revival Villa.

You can also visit City Hall, with a clock tower and a failed weapon from the Civil War, sitting outside.

If you come to the city of Athens, you can’t leave without visiting the Museum of Natural History displaying geological and animal specimens, while the Georgia Museum of Arts features collections of sculpture and paintings.

If you’re a fan of modern art, visit the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art. And if you’re into outdoor activities, Trail Creek Park is the perfect place for you. It offers a wide range of mountain biking trails.

If you’re an animal lover, visit Bear Hollow Zoo to check out some of the native animals like black bears and bobcats.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers nature trails, greenhouses, and gardens. Interested in visiting? The best time to do it is between September and November.